A reader of this fine site posted the other day an excellent alternative for Piñatas. Here is her suggestion…

A candy run

I too have found that pinatas are just a problem waiting to happen. I am hispanic, and have never really understood the importance of having them at parties. Last year I made a move to do something different. I created a “Candy Run” for the kids to a) eliminate a child with a weapon b) eliminate the trampling of small children by the bigger ones c) prevent the tears from the kids that don’t get anything d) create a friendlier experience. I spread candies, toys, prizes over a giant grass area in the park, roped it off, and when it was time, I had all the kids circle the area (80+ kids) and make a run for it. The idea is the same with Easter egg hunts. It was a success, and now my family members all do the same thing at their parties. I hate pinatas.  

Treasure Balls (Hey, I didn't name them...)

A friend just sent me this delightful article on piñata alternatives. I love the creative thinking that went into it. 

The Treasure Ball – “A Non-Violent Parenting” Piñata

This is just one more example of American ingenuity when it comes to addressing issues like social violence. Every time someone sends me a link like this one I know in my soul that I’m doing God’s work by spreading the word about the dangers of piñata related violence.

I don’t want people to think that just because I think pinatas are evil that I don’t want kids to have fun. So I look for non-violent alternatives to pinatas to suggest. Here’s one I quite like. Burying goodies in a sandbox and having the kids dig for “gold.” I love it. No bashing of animal effigies and no follow up bashing of parents. 

Read more here